A firsthand look at Villa Dubrovnik's cliffside setting, sea-view rooms, spa, dining, and service, plus the points-booking angle worth knowing before you go.
Great review as ever. Thanks. I still find this blog much more useful than Chat GPT!
Good to know re the service. I find that sort of inflexibility really off putting I must say.
Am I crazy in being very surprised that there is no outdoor pool given that it's Croatia? Especially at that price point? Am I missing something...
@ SZ -- Regarding the pool, it's a fair point, and I agree on the surface. I think the simple explanation is that the hotel is built into a cliff, so there's very limited space beyond the outdoor area with dining. I will say, the pool feels sort of indoor and outdoor, as there are sliding doors that are fully opened during the day. But yeah, if you're looking for a great outdoor pool, this isn't the place to stay.
I love Dubrovnik have been there a number of times and always enjoyed the city, thanks for the review, we will take Villa Dubrovnik into consideration the next time we are around.
Regarding other hotels that are affiliated with a chain Dubrovnik is one of the few cities in which a Hilton Hotel is sth. to get excited about. The Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik is of cause much cheaper than the Villa Dubrovnik and not located at the shoreline but in a beautiful historical building with quite nice rooms (for the price) and loyalty recognition is quite good as well.
Haven’t been to Croatia yet, but it’s on my list. Appreciate this review, Ben, because in terms of where to stay, I wasn’t finding too much that excited me (there’s like an older Hilton, in town, obviously different price point.) This seems like it’s tastefully removed; high quality design, amenities, etc. Will seriously consider. Thank you!
I spent one night at the Hilton last year and was very pleasantly surprised by it. It was just renovated, so it's certainly not "old" and it's a terrific location (just a few minutes walk from the upper city gate). Obviously Villa Dubrovnik is on another tier and it's really beautiful, but I have no problem recommending the Hilton for a short stay.
Thank you, pstm91! Glad to hear of the renovations. I think I was finding old photos of it, so will definitely consider as well. Maybe one night at each is even better. Was it a decent points redemption, or better to pay cash rates?
Hilton is a nice hotel but absolutely not luxury at all. Buffet breakfast full of coach tourists, and suites which have sachets of instant coffee.
I was really looking forward to this review. Thanks, Ben! When I was last there, that view from the top of the elevator looking down was still a MASSIVE pile of construction and trash, and they were scheduled to open in less than one month lol. No idea how they made it happen... The renovation story is really interesting as well, and speaks a lot to politics and bureaucracy of the area (and why it took years longer than planned). It's a really beautiful hotel but it is a long walk to town. The service you experienced is standard of that region... A new hotel - Villa Argentina is also supposed to open this year (or maybe next), very close to Villa Dubrovnik but is a slightly better location/closer to the city gate. Curious if you got see it at all?
Hate indoor pools. Makes no sense for a place like Dubrovnik where most guests are there to enjoy the sun and weather.
Most of the year you want to be inside in Dubrovnik. The summer is an exception. It’s why the Dalmatian coast is so seasonal. Some airports have zero service from October to to April. It’s not Spain.
It would be uneconomical to heat an outdoor pool year round given Croatian energy prices and low rates. If have a choice of no pool or indoor, it’s a no brainier.
Summer is the only time most people visit Dubrovnik. Locals aren't staying at this hotel.
Dear Ben,
Interesting hotel and review, looks wonderful, thanks for the advise.
However I think You miss an opportunitie to review the new renovated Hilton Imperial, must readears will appreciated for obvious reasons.
I notice that You rarely rewiew Hiltons and Conrads in many locations when they provide very good value with money and points, the same case can be said about Westin and JW Marriott. Rather You focus on exotic hotels, lots of Hyatt no matter what, and Four Seasons (they are always good and they are never a hidden treasure for the price You paid).
You should be more encourage to focus on where there is a real good value and hidden gem hotel, that will really represent a good value for your readers.
And finally, I send and wrote to You and to your partner Ford an email regarding a story and very bad episode I had with Qatar Airways asking for your good advice, so far You have not reply, I will appreciate any response even if is negative.
Thanks and Best Regards
Great review and it looks likea great hotel (way out of my league, indeed!), but what a lot of beige!! Was there anything aside from the avocado toast that wasn't brown or beige?!
I’ll be staying at this hotel next spring. It’s good to see a trusted review. I believe the restaurant onsite is one Michelin star. It’s good to see Dubrovnik has a good luxury hotel and pricing isn’t too bad compared to Paris or London.